URGENT - Being denied access to jointly owned property

suited-aces

I'm useless, but hate to read and run, so good luck OP.

meritaten

I dont understand why the solicitor made you put the utilities in your name? It wasnt YOUR house or your sisters until probate was granted, it still belonged to the estate of the deceased. At least that is how I always understood it, and that is what has happened with the (admittedly ) few house inheritances I have been involved with.
as for reporting your sister because you believe she is renting out to illegal immigrants if you can get proof of this then really the money your sister is getting belongs to the estate of the deceased! I would inform the solicitor that rooms are being rented and give proof if you can (photo of the ad would help especially if address on there or pics of unauthorised persons coming and going from the property).

ceridwen

...and if you are having problems getting proof of what is happening - then maybe you could try getting in a private investigator. Private investigators dont cost as much as one would think actually..;)

gratefulforhelp_2

DH (who used to be a solicitor) says you need to consult a different solicitor, since the one handling probate also works for your sister.

Sorry that's not the easy or cheap answer, though.

pupsicola

What would your sister do if you did turn up at the property? What she is doing is out of order. Do you not know some "built like a bus" type bloke who could go with you. Doubt she would try anything on then.

On the other hand my meters are on the outside of the property and the doors can be opened pretty easily. Personally now it is dark Id be tempted to scoot over there and take some readings.

meritaten

I think the point is, the property doesnt actually belong to you OR your sister YET! it still belongs to the estate of the deceased. and I do agree with gratefulforhelp in one way, as I think I see what her DH is thinking. But, in another getting your own solicitor could work out extremely expensive, by the time they have exchanged a half dozen letters and got the new solicitor acquainted with all the facts, you could end up with a sizable bill AND then the existing solicitor gets paid too.
ceridwens right about private detectives, they arent as expensive as solicitors and one or two days work should establish whether your sis is renting out rooms or not. in the phone book or online should find one local to you. (local is best as you dont want to be paying travel expenses).
(I hate to say this but just have too - if its a fairly straightforward will then why has it taken so long? and why did your solicitor tell you to put utilities in YOUR name? - I wouldnt have much faith in this one to be honest and would be scrutinising ALL correspondence and then the final bill thoroughly)

ceridwen

Just had a very quick google re private investigators - looks like a fairly standard rate is £45 per hour plus expenses.

Something simple - like establishing what is happening at the property might only come out at about £100? (dont know if VAT would be chargeable on top of that.....?)

meritaten

may I ask? why hasnt the house been sold and the proceeds go into the estate? were are you going to jointly own the property with your sis? was the idea to operate a B&B or rooming house, and both share the profits?


if your sister has jumped the gun - does she have landlord insurance and is the building suitable for multiple occupancy tenancy? if not then the local council would be VERY interested (hint). as she doesnt actually own it yet, then she is operating as a landlord illegally.

gratefulforhelp_2

The house can't be sold until probate is granted.

Mondayschild

meritaten wrote: »

may I ask? why hasnt the house been sold and the proceeds go into the estate? were are you going to jointly own the property with your sis? was the idea to operate a B&B or rooming house, and both share the profits?


if your sister has jumped the gun - does she have landlord insurance and is the building suitable for multiple occupancy tenancy? if not then the local council would be VERY interested (hint). as she doesnt actually own it yet, then she is operating as a landlord illegally.

The house hasnt been sold as the solicitor says that the will doesnt specify that it should be sold, just that it is left to me and my sister so all she has to do is transfer the deeds into our names.

Landlord insurance? lol. I dont think she cares about that. The building is not suitable for multiple occupancy and also she has invalidated the unoccupied home insurance so the property is now totally uninsured.

Need to get proof soI can go to the council.